I was driving along Bloor St, just west of Royal York and I noticed that the Emerald Inn is now gone and it's been replaced by a new bar. I didn't catch the name of the new place, but I did notice that it was promoting itself as a craft beer bar.

Has anyone gone there?

Last edited by Iceman on Fri Sep 23, 2011 9:50 am, edited 1 time in total.

It would appear to be the Monk's Kettle. The very early website bills the place as a 'speakeasy', presumably the first speakeasy with a website (Psssst -- tell 'em Google sent you). Someone on Yelp says they have 16 taps, though none are specified, and that apparently they will at some point have cask as well. Cask in Etobicoke: the world has changed beyond recognition. Or will do, if this is true.
http://www.themonkskettle.com/

I'm actually working in the bar. They have a vision for the pub which I think suits the area. They're looking at bringing in an additional 4 taps which will be consistantly rotated, as well as stocking about 70 bottled beer, all craft beers by the way. Oh, and a cask! It's early days, the bar is only open 3 and half weeks and we havent had our grand opening yet. Ok, there are some marcos on the list, but don't hold it against us

I'm actually working in the bar. They have a vision for the pub which I think suits the area. They're looking at bringing in an additional 4 taps which will be consistantly rotated, as well as stocking about 70 bottled beer, all craft beers by the way. Oh, and a cask! It's early days, the bar is only open 3 and half weeks and we havent had our grand opening yet. Ok, there are some marcos on the list, but don't hold it against us

Not at all! That's actually a pretty solid craft side of the taps and the macro stuff will lure in Molbatts types who may be curious and try "that crazy Flying Monkeys beer". Sounds like the place is definitely heading in the right direction. A great addition to that area. Between this and Bryden's, Bloor westers can now have their own mini pub crawl!

This place has been my local since moving to the west end in 2015. Up until last fall it was always a reliably solid gastropub with stellar food, good service, a cozy atmosphere, and a respectable lineup of rotating crafts. Then recently they started to experience some problems whereby a bunch of the staff left (apparently over pay issues), the food menu was cut in half, and the website and social media pages were taken down. Once the latter happened I was under the impression they might have closed, but I'm happy to report that they're still open and under new ownership. This is according to a server we spoke to at the bar on the weekend. Needless to say I'm glad they haven't closed shop, and hopefully the new owner(s) can turn things around (and pay their staff). Aside from Henry VIII - which has a decent lineup of imports and some craft options - there is a surprising lack of good beer spots in the area, so Monk's fills a major void in that regard.

"Bar people do not live as long as vegan joggers. However, they have more fun." - Bruce Elliott

Tapsucker wrote:Thanks for the update. I was wondering what happened. It was a great place to meet for lunch when I was in that area, but then they stopped opening during the day a few months back.

Henry VIII is pretty good too.

I haven't been to the Crooked Cue in a while, do they still have a GLB guest tap? It was about the only reason to go there.

Never been to Crooked Cue. Always had the impression it was a macro-serving dive bar, so I just assumed they didn't have craft. Monk's and Henry have been our staples since moving to the area, but ever since Monk's scaled back their food options we've been going to Henry for dinner and drinks then Monk's for a post-dinner beer or two. Given the quality of the food at Henry, and the fact that they always have a few good imports on (BrewDog, Fuller's, Hacker Pschorr, etc), it works out well. But I'm hoping Monk's can get back to serving a full food menu. Fingers crossed.

"Bar people do not live as long as vegan joggers. However, they have more fun." - Bruce Elliott